ARCHITECT BUILT A REPUTATION-- AND IT PAYS OFF

Known as a prince of postmodernism who has designed everything from skyscrapers to tea kettles, architect Michael Graves has a new distinction to add to his resume: the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects.

Inc. has learned the 66-year-old Indianapolis native on Thursday was named this year's winner of the prestigious award, whose previous recipients include Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei. The award recognizes an architect, living or dead, whose work has a lasting impact.

Last year, the Target chain introduced the 150-piece Michael Graves Design Collection of high-style housewares. Graves also won praise for the elegant scaffolding he designed for the Washington Monument while the landmark was being restored.

Mad props, kudos and all that jazz to South Side rapper Common. The hip-hop magazine Vibe picks him as its "Sleeper Artist of the Year" (we happen to think he's got more important things to say than Eminem, the magazine's "Solo Artist of the Year"). Vibe even did at least one of us here on Page 2 a favor by placing Common's picture opposite the page where Jennifer Lopez is picked as the year's "Most Fashionable Artist."

Sing a song

Before heading to Switzerland for a performance, the Kenwood Academy Choir serenades new Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown at her inaugural ceremony on Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Busy, busy

Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion has been busier than usual lately. Not only has Chicago author Bill Zehme been hanging out there researching a book on Hef (that's a good excuse), but Chicago party planner B.J. Murray on Wednesdayhosted a private bash at the Mansion for 100 businesspeople, including a group from CADANT, a Lisle digital wiring company.

By the way ...

Speaking of Hefner, a few of his Playboy Playmates will be on hand at Circus nightclub for a midnight fashion show on Friday. Just felt you needed to know that.

Team players

When the Harlem Globetrotters hold their black-tie gala at the Fairmont Hotel on Jan. 5, Pope John Paul II and Rev. Jesse Jackson will be named honorary Globetrotters. The team, including Chicago's own Curly Boo Johnson, earlier this week presented the pontiff with a basketball at the Vatican.

Row your boat

Those Field's Jingle Elves begin their random acts of kindness on Friday, when they sail down the Chicago River in the "SS Jingle Elf," rewarding commuters at various docks with unexpected gifts.

Helping hand I

Talk show host Jenny Jones doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk. Jones will be on hand at Hales Franciscan High School on Friday for a community rally to keep the school open. Jenny has donated $125,000 in a matching funds campaign for the school.

Helping hand II

Because December is a slow month for blood donations, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Chicago Fire Commissioner James Joyce will help kick off a LifeSource blood drive at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the donor center on the second floor of the State of Illinois Building. Anybody who donates blood at a LifeSource center throughout the month receives a dozen free Dunkin' Donuts.

He said, she said

"Hey, Santa: All I want for Christmas is a president!" That was a woman yelling her holiday wishes to the Daley Plaza Santa Claus.

Inc.-lings

Open Hand Chicago, a not-for-profit social service agency that provides nutritional counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS, will honor the Sara Lee Corp. and state Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) on Sunday at the Four Seasons Hotel. ... Team Mates, the Bulls wives' organization, is sponsoring the sale of limited edition Bulls holiday ornaments. The $10 ornaments will be available at the Bulls' offices beginning Monday and at home games beginning on Friday. Proceeds benefit several Chicago-area charities.